Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
Whilst sitting around the office and waiting for my crappy internet to work I stumbled across this game which is kind of cool for passing some time of you have nothing better to do, Think of temple run but not as nauseous if you have tried it already, Even a seasoned VR user at times I do get a tad disorientated and since introducing a game-pad to the game it gets worse,but saying that I mean the effect is good given your hand is not stuck up in the air looking like you are hailing a taxi..
This game is fun quick and will give your neck a good workout if anything and there is to some degree a bit of immersion there but not on the same level as Temple Run.. With a few more updates I think it could be even better
CubeRun is a running game which is build in a world of cube. You will need shake your head left or right to avoid any obstacles in your way. Especially don’t tilt your body or head because it doesn’t work. You also need collect the coins and run as far as you can. Because your speed will be faster and faster, also the map will be more difficult. You will get into 4 different maps such as spring, summer, autumn and winter. And each season has day and night. During the night the part of your sight will be dark, so you should better be careful.
BEBONCOOL sent us over this gamepad to check out,our initial testing though was for Samsung Gear VR and how it worked but not only can it be used with Gear VR but you can attach your mobile phone to it and enjoy gaming in true style as if on your console at home..
The packaging is nice to begin with Boxed with a sleeve then presented with the company logo atop.. Sure why not!! On the outside you do also get a QR code to scan as there is an app available on Android scan this QR code and download it before you do anything else.There is quite a few games to pick from there and lots for free..
On opening the package you are presented with both the gamepad and clip to insert your device which clips onto the gamepad itself…. Underneath you then find some information booklets and a rather long Micro USB to USB cable which is quite handy..
The paring process is simple and once paired its time to start having some fun..I can see this being a popular piece with gamers in particular but this is also super for Samsung Gear VR for games that require a controller such as Temple run,It makes the game easier to play if you can stick the immersion as its really good and if you have not tried it go do it..
Using the gampead is just like using you typical X-Box or Playstation, On playing a few games on my own phone it worked fine but when battery got low at times it went a little wonky lets say,ie choosing to move by itself other than that it was fine,all buttons worked and where tactile, The same applied to using it on my Gear VR i tried both this years model and last years and yes the gaming experience is much better than using you navi pad on the headset itself the games became easier to play and you get that real game play feeling and if you are used to playing games on your VR well your arm does get tired holding it up for so long but with the game-pad its much more relaxing.
Build quality of the unit is actually good albeit a bit shiny especially under light but thats nitpicking its a well built solid piece and would well survive multiple drops. The bracket also fine but not sure how long it will last if in constant use due to the thickness but if you are only using it on mobile I cant see an issue here,the extendable arm will take most modern smartphones and with a Galaxy S7 edge fitting in it with room to extend you can be pretty sure you will get a good life with it..
SPECS
Standard HID protocol game controller; For example, popular games Minecraft PE, BombSquad, DH5, Dead Trigger 2;Phone mount for your phone can accommodate smartphones up to 3.0 inch wide, support phone screen within 5.5inch
Bluetooth Connection for android smartphone Samsung S6, S6 Edge, S7, S7 Edge, Note 5, Nexus, HTC, LG G4 G5/android tablet/Android TV Box/Emulator/Oculus Gear VR
Wired Connection for X-input, D-input Windows PC Games; Connect USB charging cable into computer USB port, the Gamepad can support PC-USB gamepad function
Built-in lithium rechargeable battery 400mA, Battery life is about 5-8 hours when playing continuously; Support OTG connection, use OTG cable to directly connect to android cell phones & tablets;32-bit high-speed MCU chip, high sensitivity and quickly response; Support Bluetooth 2.0 or higher
Free companion APP “BEBONCOOL GAMEPAD” brings you about 300 games (including about 145 free games):
First of all a huge thanks to the team at Viar 360 for sending us over some of their samples to check out. Here at techbuzzireland we are focusing quite alot on VR and if you have anything you want featured get in touch,We have more to come and since VR is the craze its the perfect time to get in touch..
Who is viarbox first of all..
viar360.com are developing a cloud-based content management system for virtual reality that will empower publishers, educators, brands, and marketers,they also make and sell custom branded virtual reality goggles. Viar360 an online platform that lets you create interactive VR experiences from 360 video & photos with no coding involved. Everything works through browsers, so you’re able to share the stories on social media, blogs, newsletters,…
Prototype..
Every good producer needs a solid plan. With Viar360 you quickly and easily create an outline of the story, plan your transitions and build a fundamental roadmap for a dramatic adventure.
Host
All your media sits safely and securely on our hosted servers. Whenever someone needs to see the story it is streamed through the web browser on all devices – from mobile phone, desktops to VR headsets.
Create
Turn your 360/VR into an interactive adventure with muti-branched storypaths, action trigers, informational popus and embedded images or videos.
Collaborate
Your client didn’t approve some of the cuts or details? Revision with Viar360 is a peace of cake. Collaborate using “comment hotspots” and review exact positions on your story that need improvement.
Measure
Views do matter, but you also need to know where your viewer is looking. Use our heatmap tool to see where their attention is going and report to your stakeholders how your story is performing.
Just a quick warning for our readers.. This SMS just arrived and of course its spam telling you that you have won a Tesco voucher worth €750 with a deadline to collect, Following that link an online survey suggesting you will make money from home… Number seems to originate in Germany.. The number as per head image is 35386781983.
You will see there is a link telling you there’s a photo attached. Yes it’s bullshit spam…
Just ignore and delete You know the drill…. See all the details below and tell your friends..UPDATE Tesco have told us they are looking into it..
With VR the potential to show off is great and over the last few months countries now use this technology to show off what they have to offer which is an excellent idea, We are now seeing more and more countries do this and not only is it good for VR fans to check out its potentially good for business.
With the 360 ° Virtual Reality (VR) app for Munich to do virtually, with or without VR goggles Munich hotspots. It is as you would locally.
Take a look around from the historic centre to the Alps; navigate from the surfers at Eisbach to the beer garden at the Chinese Tower. Stroll through Viktualienmarkt and adopt the perspective of a local market seller. Visit the Frauenkirche or surround yourself with modern art at the Pinakothek der Moderne. Watch the sun rise over Munich from the roof terrace of Hotel Bayerischer Hof or enjoy the magnificent views from the roof of the Mandarin Oriental.
Whether panoramic photos or motion pictures in the 360-degree video, the Munich 360°-VR app offers extraordinary vistas of the city’s highlights which captivate tourists and local Munich residents alike.
Once your mobile phone is placed into a VR headset, the 3D effect is created as each eye sees only one of the two images (similar to earlier stereo photographs or stereoscopy).
Whether panoramic photos or moving images in 360 degree video, the Munich 360 ° -V R app offers unusual perspectives on the city’s highlights, which attract not only tourists but also Munich under its spell.
Free on Android and iOS and coming to Oculus in the next few days..
Jabra today have announced their first true wireless sports earbuds under its new Elite franchise. They are a true training aid which are waterproof and delivers freedom of movement, ground-breaking in-ear fitness analysis, strong battery life and great music for anyone who wants to work out. Jabra are a regular here at techbuzz and of late their products have been quality and we continue to use when applicable which is quite often.. The Elite Sport supports all major smartphone operating systems (both Android & iOS) and also has a focus on the in-call experience. This is thanks to earbuds that analyse external sounds and automatically switch to the earbud with least background noise. These state-of-the-art earbuds deliver superior audio quality for calls and music without wires.
True wireless for true freedom
Designed with true freedom in mind, Jabra Elite Sport delivers a cord-free wearing style whether you choose to use one or both earbuds. They offer outstanding stereo sound for calls and music, as well as full sports functionality.
With an array of ear gels and ear wings presented in-box, as well as foam tips for passive noise-cancellation and enhanced bass, you can be confident of a secure, comfortable fit. At the same time, audio pass-through allows you to hear your surroundings at the touch of a button.
When it comes to phone calls, Jabra Elite Sport benefits from two integrated microphones in each earbud. One captures your voice and the other focuses on external noise. Together, the earbuds overlay the two feeds, identify the background noise and remove it, allowing you to take calls without interruption, listen to your favourite songs or hear in-ear training tips. If a call comes in whilst you’re running, voice controls and audio prompts let you manage your calls without having to touch your phone. The earbud will run up to three hours of calls and music when fully charged – more than enough for most workouts – plus up to six hours of additional charge from the compact carry-case.
Workout without wires
With 77 per cent of people preferring to train without wires, (to avoid the cable getting caught and pulling the earbuds out), and 69 per cent regularly listening to music as they workout, it’s no surprise the first offering in the Jabra Elite true-wireless franchise comes with sports credentials.
Jabra Elite Sport delivers the most comprehensive range of audio training tools to ensure you have the perfect training companion with you, whatever your fitness level or work-out regime preference. This includes an advanced personalised fitness analysis thanks to an in-ear heart rate monitor with 90%+ accuracy and an integrated app that offers automatic fitness testing (VO2 Max measurement), race-time predictor and recovery advisor. The Jabra Sport Life app delivers these updates via real-time in-ear coaching to ensure an uninterrupted workout.
The personalised VO2 Max data generated by Jabra Elite Sport, and captured by the app, allows you to track your fitness development over time. It uses intelligent in-ear coaching to provide real-time feedback based on your heart rate and fitness level. When you’ve finished your workout, the Jabra Sport Life app provides a range of information to help you improve your fitness level in the future, including distance covered, pace, route, calories burnt and training effect.
As a training partner, Jabra Elite Sport has the added assurance of a three year extended warranty against sweat, and being IP67 rated is tested to work for at least 30 minutes whilst submerged in up to one metre of water.
Medical grade credentials
Pioneers in sound, from sports earbuds to hearing aids, Jabra (as part of the GN Group) has used its unique understanding of high-quality sound in the development of Jabra Elite Sport. Created in collaboration with engineers from ReSound, a specialist in medical grade sound solutions and a world leader in Smart Hearing Aids, Jabra Elite Sport draws on more than 145 years of experience in hearing innovation and fit.
René Svendsen-Tune, CEO of Jabra said: “What truly excites me about our first true wireless earbuds is that they offer an experience that only Jabra can bring-to-life. We’ve used our R&D expertise from across the GN Group to deliver not just the most technically advanced true wireless sports earbuds, but actually the most complete cord-free experience for our customers. Jabra Elite Sport is an example of an intelligent sound solution that delivers calls and music very well, and does so much more besides.”
Features and specifications:
Superior sound with up to three hours of music and calls (plus up to six hours additional charge from the portable charging case)
Flexible wearing options with single or stereo earbud use
Advanced heart rate analysis with automatic fitness level testing of VO2 Max, recovery advisor and race predictor
In-ear audio coaching with real-time feedback
Integrated Training Management with Jabra Sport Life app
Three-year warranty against sweat and waterproof to IP67 rating
Secure fit – perform at your best with incredibly light, ultra-secure earbuds
Supports all major smartphone operating systems, including Android & iOS
Integrated Jabra Sport Life app and support for all leading third-party fitness apps
Bluetooth speakers are popular ,they come in all shapes and sizes and surely prices to match,we have tried quite a few here before and the latest one to drop in is called the XQISIT Bluetooth speaker XQ S20. This unit comes in several colours,Black,Silver and Gold and can be found online via the carphone warehouse..
Off the bat the packaging is nice and looks premium and when you take out the unit it also looks and feels premium with a nice presentation with speaker placed atop and the extras place beneath in a black box, Underneath the speaker is foam housing with the instruction manual tucked under it all..
Check out the image gallery below
Click to enlarge
Connecting the XQISIT to your mobile phone or tablet is simple and takes seconds,there was no delay in the pairing process which is good,some previous ones I tried had a slight delay,this was effortless, Should you wish to go the old route and go wired that option is also present and handy if you run out of juice on the speaker itself so you are covered here,there is that age old argument to contest which has the better sound being wired or wireless,the same applies to headphones,there is also a built in microphone which is excellent..
The build quality is excellent, It is solid all round flanked with a nice metallic finish and looks premium,the buttons too are also metal with a textured feel and very tactile given they are not much raised from the surface,they are almost like keys you would find on a mobile but as mentioned very tactile but not clicky,they work a treat in fact.
With outputs to suit everyone it comes with a 3.5mm inline socket and a cable is provided too and can be charged with USB and again there is cable provided which is good to see. The battery beneath is 2500mAh which should last you about 20hrs of continuous playback and charging the unit is typically around 5 hours for a full charge,this might seem long compared to a mobile phone of the same battery status..
Sound is excellent packed underneath is 2 x 3 watts of HD stereo sound which is immersive,I am no expert audiophile but use alot of products and I felt the sound was sharp,crisp and clear,the average consumer will be happy with its output due to the built in passive subwoofer… Its good a great bass sound to it..
Specs
Hands-free kit with integrated mic
6W HD stereo music with subwoofer
Frequency 150 Hz- 16 Hz
2500 mAh battery
3.5mm headphone jack
Ports – USB port – Micro USB port
Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP – AVRCP – HFP and HSP
262 G in weight
Dimensions 6.65 x 2.5 x 14.4 cm
Any questions on the XQISIT S QX20 fire away below or get us on social @techbuzzireland
You can buy this speaker from the carphonewarehouse or on Amazon..
We are about to endure another big gathering very soon with Electric Picnic 2016 which is being held in the Stradbally Estate Co Laois from the 2nd to the 4th of September
There is a free new app to check which gives you all the info you need on the fly and also an immersive experience,The app looks quite nice with users just having to scroll down and checking out who is going to be there,there is a hamburger menu atop on the left side offering Discover,Schedule,Line Up,Areas,Information,Maps and a social media page featuring Instagram,Facebook and of course Twitter .
The app is designed to give users a completely immersive experience, with everything from stage times, to all the essential info for the weekend and personalised festival line ups.
The Electric Picnic 2016 app features a handy line up section, with breakdown by time, stage, artist and location. Picnickers can ‘favourite’ who they want to see and then receive reminders before an act is about to start. Users can also log in via Facebook, allowing them to share details on the acts they are excited to see over the weekend with their friends. The festival map will also allow you to navigate your way through the beautiful surroundings of Stradbally Hall.
Notifications sent through the app will ensure you’re the first to know about any on site offers and much more.
Budget smartphones are aplenty these days but overall the cost even for high end phones is coming down to an extent, However new OEMs and chinee manufacturers are winning customers over taking a piece of the over saturated pie in the mobile space.
Medion have been resident at Aldi for some years now and they have a new model to check out called the Medion Life E5005 5 Inch smartphone.. These devices seem to be popular especially with Aldi shoppers and dont last long on the shelf..
Lest look at the specs and see what you get for its price tag of €99.99
Compact, powerful and modern, this LTE Medion Life Smartphone features a new-look Android™ 6.0 Marshmallow® operating system. It also has an impressive 5MP rear camera with autofocus, flash and digital zoom, along with a 2MP front camera.